Cain: 'There are factions that are trying to destroy me'

MCLEAN, Va. -- Republican presidential hopeful Herman Cain said his campaign is between the point of destruction and acceptance.

Speaking to the Consumer Electronics Association, Cain recounted the accuracy of a story relayed to him about the stages of presidential campaigns. They are: 1) ignore, 2) ridicule, 3) destroy, 4) accept.

Referencing the third step, Cain said, “Well, we got a little of that this week," referring to the controversy that has erupted following his acknowledgment of a settlement of sexual harassment complaints during his time at the National Restaurant Association.

“There are factions that are trying to destroy me personally, as well as this campaign,” Cain said.

But he remained confident that voters will lift him from stage three to four.

He focused on his campaign during the top of his speech, then talked to the group about the importance of technology.

It is Cain’s third day of appearances in the Washington, DC area. From here he addresses Docs4PatientCare, then heads to Capitol Hill this afternoon.